About the Grapevine Data

For 60 years Grapevine has published annual compilations of data on state tax support for higher education, including general fund appropriations for universities, colleges, community colleges, and state higher education agencies. Each year’s Grapevine survey has asked states for tax appropriations data for the new fiscal year and for revisions (if any) to data reported in previous years. 

For fiscal years 2010-20, Grapevine tables--including both tax and non-tax support—were produced by Illinois State University’s Center for the Study of Education Policy in cooperation with the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO).  Beginning in fiscal year 2021 the Center again has assumed responsibility for Grapevine. The annual Grapevine tables provide a first look at state appropriations for the new fiscal year. The annual SHEF report produced by SHEEO, offers a more complete examination of trends in total state support for higher education, factoring in inflation and enrollment.

The results of the Grapevine survey for fiscal year 2020-21 (FY21), including tax and nontax monies, are compiled in the national tables available on this website.  The FY21 data summarized in these tables represent initial allocations and estimates reported by the states from September through January 2021 and are subject to change.

Further revisions may be made as states make corrections or adjust their budgets in the face of ongoing revenue shortfalls. Unlike Grapevine reports issued prior to fiscal year 2009-10, the data from the survey for FY21 include only state totals.  The new, consolidated questionnaire does not ask states to provide appropriations figures for individual colleges and universities. Please click on the "Method" tab to the right for further information on what data we ask the states to provide.

Thank you for your interest in Grapevine. As we move forward into the uncertain post-COVID19 era we must pay close attention to funding trends and their impact on equitable access to college success. The future of our economy and our democracy will depend on finding a path, however difficult, to a more educated country. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Jim Applegate
Grapevine Editor
March 16, 2021